'Días de Santiago' chronicles a soldier's return to society
It has received awards and nominations at film festivals around the world, and starting tomorrow, foreign-film lovers can see it in San Diego.

"Días de Santiago" is the next film to be shown as part of "Cine en tu idioma," a film series that is part of the San Diego Latino Film Festival.

The film centers on Santiago Román, played by Pietro Sibille, a 23-year-old Peruvian army veteran. Santiago struggles to readapt to everyday civilian life in the slums of Lima after serving in his country's army for six years.

Santiago tries to put his life back together, but he is simply too traumatized by what he's done and seen during his time with the armed forces. He tries to get into school, but he's not eligible for financial aid. He wants to talk to women, but he's become an introvert. He needs support, but his family is in disorder and his friends turn to crime as a way to earn money.

Tragically, he's part of the "Lost Generation" – the thousands of young Peruvians who became victims of their country's problems with terrorism and drug trafficking. They were pushed to the edge during the war and pushed aside upon returning to society.

"It's a very timely piece with what's going with many of our soldiers returning from Iraq," said Ethan van Thillo, executive director and founder of the Media Arts Center San Diego, which puts together the festival.

The film has won several awards, including one for Best Actor at the Lima Latin American Film Festival, and another for Best Latin American Film at the Miami International Film Festival in January.

It will screen five times daily at UltraStar Cinemas through Thursday. It is in Spanish with English subtitles and recommended for mature audiences.

"Huracán! Life and Death, Creation and Destruction": An exhibit of altars dedicated to those who died in Hurricane Katrina. Centro Cultural de la Raza, 2125 Park Blvd., Balboa Park. Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Through Nov. 29. (619) 235-6135 or www.centroraza.com.

"Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life": Musical celebration of the life and career of one of America's most beloved stage performers, written by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally. Old Globe Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park. $47-$75. Through Oct. 23. Schedule and showtimes vary. www.oldglobe.org or (619) 234-5623.

"100 Years of Latin Music": Dinner show that traces the development of Latin music throughout the last century. Café Sevilla, 555 Fourth Ave., downtown. 7 p.m. next Thursday. $20 or $37.50 (includes dinner). www.cafesevilla.com or (619) 233-5979.

Listings compiled by Eduardo Cuán, editorial assistant for Enlace, the Union-Tribune's Spanish-language weekly. For questions, call (619) 293-2027. To get your event listed, fax material at least two weeks in advance to (619) 260-5088, or e-mail the information to eventos@enlacelink.com.